AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1342, 3 December 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, November 27. The Ne Confidence deoate in the Assembly is dragging alowly along. One of the most effective speeches was made by oir Henry Parkas, but still complaint ia made that the Opposition have no policy tu offer. Tue issue still remains doubtful, out is now pronounced to be lesa favorable to tnu Government. Owing to the number of leaks discovered id the pipes, the temporary water supply scheme remains incomplete, out repairs are being effected as fast as possible, in tbs meantime no rain has fallen, and the water m the Botany dam is getting very low. Some parts ot the country are in a wretched condition owing to the want of ram, and cattle are dying in all directions for want of feed. Great satisfaction ia felt at the safety of the Geographical party. Immediate steps were taken to recall the Opal, and also the party that started from Thursday Island. It seems that the party were unaware of the tumour concerning them nmil their arrival at Thursday Island. Tue rumour apparently arose from the fact that when tbey were attacked two natives managed to get away, aud these reported that the whole party had been surrounded and killed. All the party are wall. They are vary reticent as to their discoveries, but it is thought these will nut amount to much, as they were unable to penetrate far from tbe banks of the Fly river owing to tbe dense scrub. The party expect to reach Sydney next Wednesday. The strike at tbe Co-operative Colliery, Newcastle, still continues, toe miners insisting on the proprietors putting down another abaft before they commence work. Melboukne, Novemoer i 7. Two men were struck dead by hghuuug while sheltering under a tree at Ballarat. Messrs J. B. Beere, Danish Consul, aud Goldsbrougb, the well-known woulbruker, are lying dangerously ill. At a meeting of tbe Conference between representatives of the Employe*** Union and Trade Hall delegates, it was resolved to appoint a Board to deal with all future difficulties. Adklaidb, November 27The Council carried a motion in tavor ot bolding a Pubao Exhibition, but the Assembly uegativao it oy a large majority. Tbe Assembly agreed to offer a reward of Lil,ooo to discover a cure for red rust-